Construction companies are digging deeper into their pockets when purchasing materials and supplies. There have been fractional increases these past few months, which has gotten the attention of Chief Economist Anirban Basu of the Associated Builders and Contractors. Prices may continue to rise—albeit modestly—through the rest of 2014. Materials including softwood lumber, crude…(Read More)
Communication in the 21st century can be confusing. Between text abbreviations, e-mail misunderstandings, and a multigenerational workforce, it’s easy to get tangled up linguistically. Recruiting professionals who manage to avoid the following communication goofs will be appreciated by colleagues, peers, and clients. 1. Use jargon and rhetoric. People prefer to communicate with trustworthy…(Read More)
Germany has been struggling with failing infrastructure and World War Two-era construction materials that are compromising older buildings and homes. Now, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute are pioneering the development of small flying robots for the purpose of inspecting buildings for damage, explains Mark Howe, who writes about construction and energy issues on Sourceable…(Read More)
It’s not the winning lottery ticket, but folks working in construction will likely be earning a bit more money in the coming months. Buck Consultants, a pay adviser, predicts that there will be raises for all construction workers, including those involved in commercial and industrial buildings, averaging more than 3 percent for a second…(Read More)
Clarity on work orders, job descriptions, and timing is imperative as construction recruiters balance the needs of hiring managers and talent. Consider this list of questions that recruiting pros should be asking. Some are rudimentary, such as reporting structure and job location. The advanced list of questions, which includes managerial styles and the traits of…(Read More)
It’s a balance of trying to save lives and keep the aesthetics of the glorious Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The federal government has approved funding for a $66 million stainless-steel net system 20 feet below the sidewalk, according to a recent article in The New York Times. While the iconic bridge…(Read More)
Many construction companies are eager to hire young adults who are just launching their careers. But it seems millennials are apt to reject job offers, leaving employers scrambling for new talent. If you want to make an offer that newcomers to the workforce can’t resist, consider the four points provided by Anne Fisher, who…(Read More)
“Learning how to implement a strong receivables management program is crucial when it comes to getting paid, and getting paid on time,” says attorney Nate Budde, editorial director of The Lien & Credit Journal. “In the construction world, this means being aware of potential risk-shifting mechanisms in contracts, and knowing the ins and outs…(Read More)
The construction industry knows all too well about on-the-job injuries and fatalities. But what about workplace violence that often ends in death? A post on HRProfessionalsMagazine.com states: “OSHA’s general requirement basically directs employers to protect their employees from ‘foreseeable’ risks. HR Professionals are not expected to protect employees from every possible…(Read More)
Lean Construction is an emerging industry trend that’s gotten the attention of the legal community. Attorney Matt Paxton, who practices construction law and litigation at Ahlers & Cressman PLLC, blogs that Lean Construction is a way to design production systems in order to generate the maximum possible value by minimizing waste of materials, time…(Read More)
